Abstract

Proposed are designs for a new kind of switchless variable optical delay line module for signal processing that combines an analog controlled and implemented variable optical delay line with a digital discrete state variable optical delay line. This hybrid design uses smart wavelength tuning of a laser in combination with spatially and temporally dispersive optical elements to provide both long time delays and short time delays covering a wide dynamic range of delays. The proposed designs can also intrinsically provide variable optical attenuation control for the input light signals. The proposed variable delay lines can be used for Radio Frequency (RF) and digital electrical signals requiring time delay and amplitude processing such as in programmable RF filters and optically controlled RF phased array antennas and radars. The proposed modules can also be used in all-optical signal processing for communications and security systems.

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 8,170,384 B1

Application Serial Number

12/398,472

Issue Date

5-1-2012

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Department

CREOL

Allowance Date

1-3-2012

Filing Date

3-5-2009

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

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